The Best Southern States to Live In for Sunshine, Savings, and Southern Hospitality

Migration moving trends show that more Americans than ever are planning a move targeting the South, driven by a search for affordability, career growth, and a higher quality of life. Add in everything from the rolling Appalachian foothills to world-renowned Gulf Coast beaches, and it’s easy to see the appeal. If you’re thinking about making a move, this roundup of the best Southern states to live in is here to help narrow down your choices.

6 Best Southern States to Live In

Don’t be fooled — people aren’t making the move randomly. The primary drivers behind relocation are better affordability, friendlier tax setups, and more flexible job options. (Plus, no more brutal winters.) Southern hospitality isn’t just a cliché either. You’ll get to know your neighbors and build community wherever you settle.

Of course, the best Southern states to live in aren’t one-size-fits-all. Each state brings its own mix of economic perks, landscape, and cultural identities to the table. What that does mean: There’s something for everyone. Here are our top six picks for the best states in the South for you to call home.

1. South Carolina

• Cost of living: 89.3 
• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,425
• Average home value: $304,100
• Great for: Young professionals, retirees, affordability, tax benefits, strong economy, diverse outdoor activities

South Carolina consistently ranks as one of the best Southern states to live in. The state is known for its thriving economy, affordable cost of living, and diverse geography.

Booming Job Scene

South Carolina has created a resilient job market and doesn’t rely heavily on a single industry. It’s a global leader in the automotive and aerospace industries, and is home to major plants for heavy-hitters like BMW and Boeing. Cities like Greenville and Charleston have also seen a surge in tech startups, which attracts young professionals.

Low Tax Burden & Retirement Friendliness

South Carolina offers significant financial relief, which is one of the state’s strongest competitive advantages. The state has a low property tax rate of 0.45 percent, along with no tax on Social Security benefits and large deductions available for other types of retirement income.

Geographic Variety

If you’re a fan of the outdoors, you’ll be able to experience the best of both worlds in South Carolina — you’re close to the coast and the mountains. The Upstate region is located at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering world-class hiking and lake activities. Moving to Charleston or Myrtle Beach will put you right on the water.

From beaches to amusement parks, Florida offers a lifestyle that’s hard to beat — making it one of the best Southern states.

2. Florida

• Cost of living: 103.1
• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,700
• Average home value: $375,700
• Great for: Young professionals, families, retirees, tax benefits, lively environment and culture, growing economy, world-class beaches

The Sunshine State isn’t only one of the best states to live in the South, but in the entire nation. It’s been ranked the No. 6 best state to live overall by U.S. News and World Report, and it offers an unmatched quality of life with exceptional tax perks, a nationally leading economy, and coastal appeal.

Environment & Culture

Ranking No. 4 in the nation for quality of life by WalletHub, Florida’s appeal lies largely in its environment and culture. Students are drawn to the state’s top-notch universities, and U.S. News and World Report ranked Florida as No. 1 for higher education. Some of the best schools include the University of Florida in Gainesville and Florida State University in Tallahassee.

Florida is also home to some of the best amusement parks in the nation, like Universal Studios and Disney World. Not to mention the state’s booming professional sports scene, with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Rays, and Lightning; the Miami Dolphins, Marlins, Panthers, and Heat; the Orlando Magic, and the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Tax Advantages & Job Growth

Florida is one of the most tax-friendly states in the U.S., with no personal income tax and no taxes on Social Security benefits, pensions, IRAs, or inheritance or estate tax.

Florida’s job market has also gone through immense growth. Besides the tourism industry, the state is a major hub for finance, logistics, healthcare, and aerospace.

Coastal Hotspots

With a warm climate year-round and an average of 237 sunny days a year, residents can enjoy Florida’s world-class beaches and water sports at any season. The state boasts 1,350 miles of coastline, so you are never far away from the beach. From the sugar-white beaches of the Panhandle to the ancient coral reefs and clear waters of the Florida Keys, Florida’s coast offers a lot of diverse experiences. 

3. Tennessee

• Cost of living: 89.9
• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,375
• Average home value: $333,700
• Great for: Young professionals, retirees, tax benefits, strong economy, unique musical culture, top-notch outdoor recreation

Tennessee, the world capital for country and blues music, is one of the best Southern states that stands out from others due to its unique central location and geographic identity. Tennessee remains one of the best Southern states to live in because of its financial benefits, job growth, music-oriented culture scene, and beautiful outdoor lifestyle.

Financial Predictability

Tennessee has no state income tax, along with a low tax rate of 0.45 percent, making it one of the most financially advantageous states in the country. Retirees can benefit even more as there is no tax on Social Security or pension.

Robust Job Market

Tennessee has a diverse job market that’s expected to grow, driven by key sectors including manufacturing, healthcare, and tourism. Major automotive plants, such as Nissan and General Motors, are located in the state, and healthcare is also a prominent part of the economy, with companies like HCA Healthcare and Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Cultural & Outdoor Lifestyle

Tennessee is the global center for country, blues, and rock ‘n’ roll. Beyond the tourist corridors of the best Nashville neighborhoods, every major city in the state has a lively music culture year-round.

Tennessee is also home to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park — one of the most visited national parks in the U.S., with world-class hiking adventures. The state experiences all four seasons, but winters are mild, making it easy to enjoy outdoor activities year-round.

Georgia offers a mix of big-city energy and small-town charm — there’s no wonder it’s one of the best Southern states.

4. Georgia

• Cost of living: 94.5
• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,450
• Average home value: $332,100
• Great for: Young professionals, resilient job market, top-notch education, outdoor recreation, diversity

Also known as the Empire State of the South, Georgia is defined by its resilient economy, a world-class higher education network, and a diverse landscape. Georgia attracts thousands of new residents each year due to its blend of modern opportunity and traditional Southern charm.

Resilient & Dynamic Economic Scene

As one of the fastest-growing states in the nation, Georgia’s economic engine is a serious magnet. The state’s affordability also attracts young professionals and families who want to stretch their income.

Georgia is a major logistics hub and a leader in the technology, finance, and healthcare sectors. The state is also referred to as the “Hollywood of the South” because it’s a top production center for film and television (chances are, at least part of your favorite Marvel movie was filmed here).

Educational Development

Georgia Tech (ranked No. 3 in best undergraduate engineering programs) and Emory University are some of the state’s best institutions.

Outdoor Diversity

While the big city attributes of Georgia tend to be the biggest attraction, the state’s geographic and recreational variety often gets overlooked. Residents can experience the scenic peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains while also taking in the coastline at destinations like Savannah and St. Simons.

5. Texas

• Cost of living: 94.2
• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,250
• Average home value: $300,100
• Great for: Young professionals, families, job opportunities, affordability, diverse living environments

Texas is one of the best states for those looking to move down South, known for its “larger than life” lifestyle. The state offers a distinct culture, with friendly neighbors and diverse living environment around each of the big four metros.

Texas also boasts one of the largest economies in the U.S., and residents can live an income tax-free lifestyle with an affordable cost of living.

Global Economic Hub

Texas is an economic force globally, and it’s regarded as the best jobs creator in the U.S. From January 2025 to January 2026, the state gained approximately 112,200 jobs, outpacing the national annual job growth rate.

Texas is the No. 1 producer of oil and wind energy in the U.S. Austin thrives as a global tech center, while the North Dallas region is a premier destination for major corporate headquarters.

Financial Efficiency

Texas is one of nine states with no personal income tax, so residents can keep more of their earned wages. The cost of living is also 5.8 percent below the national average index, and housing and rental prices are considered very affordable.

Diverse Lifestyle Choices

Because of the state’s massive size, there is a lot of diversity when it comes to the various living environments. Few other states can match this.

Austin, Houston, Dallas-Forth Worth, and San Antonio are the state’s four major metros to keep in mind when moving to Texas:

• Austin: Most ideal for tech professionals with an outdoor-centric and vibrant culture.
• Houston: Regarded for its diverse culinary scene (hello, Michelin-starred restaurants) and global healthcare hub.
• Dallas/Fort Worth: Known for its lively arts/culture scene, and for being both a financial and logistics powerhouse.
• San Antonio: A vibrant cultural hub, known for its deep historical roots and affordability.

Alabama’s aerospace industry continues to expand, solidifying its role as a national hub for innovation and advanced manufacturing.

6. Alabama

• Cost of living: 84.1
• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,125
• Average home value: $236,500
• Great for: Young professionals, families, retirees, aerospace jobs, abundant outdoor activities, tight-knit communities, college sports culture

Alabama is one of the best Southern states to live in, with one of the lowest price points in the nation. The state’s appeal comes from its aerospace job market, beautiful geographic diversity, and strong sense of community.

Nation-Leading Affordability

Alabama has the second-lowest effective property tax rate in the nation, at 0.38 percent. The state is also attractive for those looking for the best places to retire in the South, as there is no tax on Social Security benefits or other forms of qualified retirement income.

Alabama’s aerospace industry has continued to grow and flourish, with more than 300 aerospace companies choosing to call the state home. Alabama is the home of NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, and it also houses major operations for companies such as Boeing in Huntsville and Airbus in Mobile.

Abundant Natural Landscapes

As one of the most biodiverse states in the country, Alabama features more than 70,000 miles of rivers and the scenic Appalachian foothills in the north, ideal for hiking enthusiasts. Residents also have access to the Gulf Coast’s beautiful beaches in communities like Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.

Strong Community Focus & Sports Culture

Alabama emphasizes traditional Southern hospitality, and its communities are known for their friendly and tight-knit atmosphere. College sports are a way of life in the state, and local residents take pride in rooting for teams at schools like the University of Alabama and Auburn University. (Choose your side carefully, though. These two teams have one of the biggest rivalries in the SEC.)

Considering living in the South? Make your move flexible with PODS.

Move to One of the Best Southern States To Live in With PODS

Make your move to one of the best Southern states flexible with a portable moving container from PODS. Have the container delivered right to your driveway, where you can load it on your own schedule. Need help with the heavy lifting? PODS can connect you with local packing and loading services. Once you’re ready, have your container picked up and delivered to your new Southern home, or keep it in a secure PODS Storage Center if you need more time. One month of storage is built into the cost of every move, so you can take your time getting settled.

Visit PODS online for a free local moving quote or call 877-350-7637 for long-distance moving.

Editor’s note: Average rent prices were obtained from RentCafe; and average home values were obtained from Zillow. For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100.

_{*This article was written on behalf of PODS Enterprises, LLC (“PODS”). PODS does not warrant the completeness or accuracy of any information contained in this article and disclaims any liability for reliance upon the content herein.}